How many records does the archive hold?

67,402 records about Christchurch, every one linked at the provider that keeps the original.

How far back does the archive reach?

1800, the oldest record on file.

Where do the records come from?

30 collections: council archives, Papers Past, DigitalNZ’s partners, cemetery registers, the heritage list itself. The shelf says what exists and where it lives.

Are these documents verified?

They are leads and citations, not evidence, a record says a document exists and where to read it. What a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it; those readings live on the place pages.

“J Books”, the shelf

Every record the archive holds about Christchurch, the oldest first. The originals live at the provider each row links to.

2,074 records matching 100 of these 100 with their text read Papers Past · Canterbury Stories · Kura Heritage Collections Online · Te Papa Collections Online · National Publicity Studios black and white file prints · TAPUHI · Canterbury Museum · Auckland Museum Collections · New Zealand Gazette · Digital Public Library of America · V.C. Browne & Son NZ Aerial Photograph Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Flickr · Hocken Digital Collections · Museums Victoria · Air Force Museum of New Zealand Photograph Collection · Wellington City Council Archives · The New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero · New Zealand Electronic Text Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Heritage Images Collection · Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho · Flickr · Radio New Zealand · Alexander Turnbull Library Flickr · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki · Te Hikoi Museum · iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao · Manawatū Heritage · Canterbury Photography Museum · Akaroa Museum · Hawke's Bay Museum

the 1880s
20 May 1885
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 20 May 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 May 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 21 May 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1885
TELEGRAPHIC. (Poverty Bay Herald, 27 May 1885) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 May 1885
The Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1885. (Otago Daily Times, 29 May 1885) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 01 June 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 05 June 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 06 June 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
6 Jun 1885
LOCAL & GENERAL (Otago Witness, 06 June 1885) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Jun 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 17 June 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1885
POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH RETURNS. (Evening Post, 17 July 1885) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jul 1885
Local & General (Star, 27 July 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Sept 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 30 September 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Oct 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 01 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 05 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Oct 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 06 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Oct 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 13 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Oct 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 14 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
15 Oct 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 15 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Oct 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 16 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Oct 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 29 October 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Nov 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 07 November 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Nov 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 November 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Dec 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 01 December 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Dec 1885
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 02 December 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Dec 1885
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 08 December 1885) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Dec 1885
West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1885. (West Coast Times, 24 December 1885) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jan 1886
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 02 January 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Feb 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 13 February 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
16 Feb 1886
Ordinary Meeting. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 16 February 1886) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
19 Feb 1886
The Magdalen Asylum. (Star, 19 February 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Feb 1886
THE CARDINAL ARCHBISHOP OP SYDNEY IN CHRISTCHURCH. (New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1886) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Mar 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 01 March 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Apr 1886
MEETING OF CREDITORS. (Nelson Evening Mail, 08 April 1886) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Apr 1886
The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1886. (Otago Daily Times, 10 April 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 4 places
22 Apr 1886
Page 1 Advertisements Column 9 (Otago Daily Times, 22 April 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Apr 1886
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 28 April 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 May 1886
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (New Zealand Tablet, 14 May 1886) New Zealand Tablet · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jun 1886
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 14 June 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jun 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 26 June 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Jul 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 10 July 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jul 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 16 July 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jul 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 23 July 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
30 Jul 1886
AKAROA BOROUGH COUNCIL. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 30 July 1886) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Aug 1886
West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1886. (West Coast Times, 04 August 1886) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Aug 1886
THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1886. (Otago Daily Times, 06 August 1886) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1886
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. (Evening Post, 24 August 1886) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Aug 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 28 August 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Sept 1886
Page 20 Advertisements Column 3 (Otago Witness, 10 September 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Oct 1886
SPORTING NEWS. The following are the weights for the TAPANUI HANDICAP. NEW ZEALAND OUP. SPRING HANDICAP. PARK STAKES HANDICAP. OTAHUHU RACES. MAIDEN PLATE. CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES. CHRISTCHURCH BETTING.-Wednesday. SPORTING NOTES FROM NEW SOUTH WALES. (Otago Witness, 01 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Oct 1886
MINING. (Otago Witness, 08 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Oct 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL (Otago Witness, 08 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Oct 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 23 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Oct 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 26 October 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
29 Oct 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 29 October 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 4 places
4 Nov 1886
Latest Locals. (Star, 04 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Nov 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 12 November 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Nov 1886
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 13 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Nov 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 November 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Dec 1886
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 03 December 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 04 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Dec 1886
NOTES BY BEACON (Otago Witness, 10 December 1886) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 10 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 11 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Dec 1886
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 23 December 1886) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jan 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 07 January 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jan 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 12 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jan 1887
Local & General. (Star, 17 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
21 Jan 1887
THE OTOGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1897. (Otago Daily Times, 21 January 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1887
Latest Locals. (Star, 24 January 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
2 Feb 1887
Latest Locals. (Star, 02 February 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 12 March 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Mar 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 14 March 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Mar 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 18 March 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
21 Mar 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 21 March 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Mar 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 25 March 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Apr 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 7 (Ashburton Guardian, 20 April 1887) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 May 1887
Local & General. (Star, 17 May 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 May 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 23 May 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Jun 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 10 June 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Jun 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 17 June 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jun 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 23 June 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jul 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 01 July 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 13 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 14 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jul 1887
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 15 July 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
19 Jul 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 19 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jul 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 20 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jul 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Timaru Herald, 23 July 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jul 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 27 July 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Aug 1887
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1887. (Otago Daily Times, 10 August 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 12 August 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. (Marlborough Express, 08 September 1887) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1887
1.0.0.P., M.U. (Star, 09 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 05 October 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Oct 1887
NOTES BY BEACON. (Otago Witness, 21 October 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Nov 1887
Local & Genera (Star, 03 November 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
4 Nov 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Timaru Herald, 04 November 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1887
AUSTRALIA." (Evening Post, 24 November 1887) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Dec 1887
OTAGO A. & P. SOCIETY'S SHOW. (Otago Witness, 02 December 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
24 Dec 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 8 (Star, 24 December 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read

Most of these originals are not republishable here, the link goes to the provider that keeps them. A search result is a lead, not evidence: what a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it, and those readings live on the place pages.

“J Books”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch